Retrospective evaluation of repeat celiotomy in 53 horses with acute gastrointestinal disease.

This research retrospectively evaluated the outcomes of 53 horses that underwent repeat celiotomy, a surgical procedure to access the abdominal cavity, due to acute gastrointestinal disease. The results suggested a significantly lower long-term survival rate in these horses compared to those that underwent a single surgery. The study also examined the types of obstructions these horses faced and noted a shorter interval between surgeries for horses with functional obstructions.

Research Method

• The researchers screened and selected 53 horses that had been treated surgically for acute gastrointestinal obstruction and had undergone repeat celiotomy.
• The study involved a sample of horses subjected to repeat celiotomy out of a larger pool of 648 horses that had been surgically treated for similar conditions.
• The study was retrospective, meaning that it was based on examining past data rather than a controlled, prospective research study.

Key Findings

• Out of the 53 selected, 40 horses (75%) recovered from anesthesia post operation, and 26 horses (49%) were discharged from the clinic.
• However, excluding two horses who were lost to follow-up, long-term survival was seen only in 10 of 51 horses (20%).
• It was determined that horses undergoing repeat celiotomy had a significantly lower rate of long-term survival compared to those requiring only a single surgery.
• The research also found a significantly shorter interval between surgeries in horses exhibiting functional obstructions at the second operation, compared to those with mechanical obstructions.

Type of Obstructions and Associated Conditions

• There were 28 horses with mechanical obstructions and 22 with functional obstructions requiring a second surgery.
• While more horses with mechanical obstructions were able to recover from anesthesia, the study found no significant difference in short-term or long-term survival rates between the two types of obstructions.
• The most common diagnosis at the time of repeat celiotomy was intestinal ischemic necrosis, followed by small intestinal obstruction caused by adhesions.

Implications and Conclusions

• The study shows an increased risk and lower long-term survival rate in horses that are subjected to repeat celiotomy procedures.
• This emphasizes the importance of successful first interventions and the need for accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment in horses with acute gastrointestinal obstruction.